A LOCAL teacher has completed an arduous week-long charity cycling adventure in Egypt.

Fiona Baker-Milligan, of Rusland Park, Kendal, has returned home after pedalling 262 miles from Esna to Luxor in temperatures ranging between 20C and 35C.

The PE and primary school teacher at Flookburgh C of E began training six months ago, incorporating 30-miles-a-day cycle rides, trips to the gym, aerobic work and yoga.

As part of a contingent of 51 cyclists, including former Conservative MP Edwina Currie, the journey took in the Nile valley, surrounding deserts, under-developed towns and the irrigated countryside of the Nile Delta.

Mrs Baker-Milligan said her favourite day was a 69-mile cycle through the desert.

"Though it was hot, there was a head wind all the way, which kept me cool."

She added: "The scenery was breath-taking, with odd Nubian and Bedouin villages dotted along the sandy roadside and the far off Nile, glinting in the sunshine."

The longest day's cycling began at 6.30am and covered a distance of 132km with regular water stops and time to allow other cyclists to catch up.

She said: "It has been one of the most exhilarating, humbling and inspiring experiences of my life. I shall never forget it and will certainly be doing something like this again in the near future."

In order to take part, she needed to raise £3,100 and she thanked local businesses, friends and family who donated prizes, equipment, money and support. Her chosen charity was Mencap, which supports children and adults with learning disability and their carers. In total, the charity raised £96,000.

May 1, 2003 15:30